My knowledge of food and retail financials has grown significantly from my time at Central Market. The company has a great open door policy and advancing is truly within reach to those who put forth the energy. The pay scale isn't bad either, raises start out small but with time can be rewarding (not to mention decent insurance, vacation, and 401k for dedicated full-time employees).

Cons

There are often unreal expectations placed on the employees and blame is not always placed where it should be.

It's like working with family, everyone is friendly! There's so much food, and there's always plenty to sample and taste. You have managers that actually care about you and will work with your schedule, school is important to them if it's important to you. You always have the opportunity of working in other departments, especially when you aren't getting enough hours.

Cons

If you are working in as a cashier in service chances are you may never have a set schedule.Do not request major holidays off. If you work in service as a part timer you might not always get your 40 hours, oh and no chances for overtime...

Employee's are invisible to management. Pay increases are promised but never delivered. Low starting wage. No benefits despite working 40 hour weeks being classified as part time. Short staffed constantly.

Advice to ManagementAdvice

Say thank you to the employee's doing the actual work. At least say hi. Condescending attitude coupled with constant demands without a please or thank you make employee's feel invisible.

Open door policy between management and partnersVery lenient scheduling/time off when requested (with appropriate notice: 2wks)Embrace each personality and creativity when interviewing - asks you to "create" a resume with arts and crafts placed in front of you

Cons

Schedules typically include holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, 4th of July, etc. I think the only days the stores are closed throughout the 365 day calendar year are Christmas day and Easter.

Advice to ManagementAdvice

More information sessions about the stores new products. There are CONSTANTLY new items/dishes being discovered on a weekly/monthly/seasonal basis. Educating all partners on different trends/perks/recipes/etc. can go a long way and will reflect better with the customers.

Good 401k match and healthcare plan. Leadership at store level is strong. Opportunities for growth for employees who are interested.

Cons

No set schedule. Schedule posts on Friday for the following week, so not much notice. Generally low wages to start on the retail end, raises are based on a percentage so getting to a good pay level can take some time.

Even though I never used they head excellent insurance. I loved working with all my co-workers, and I knew just about everyone, it was quite a cohesive environment.

Cons

Management was awful, they didn't care about anything, but money. They played favorites a lot. Treated most employees like expendable assets. Raises are terrible! They straight up lied to me about getting a raise when I transfered departments. Work can extremely laborious at times due to the amount of customers. Many rude customers as well.